Haris, Huwwara, Shomron Crossing, Za'tara (Tapuah), Mon 5.3.12, Afternoon
Ma’avar Shomron. 11.30.
After passing, we travelled east and all the way were Palestinians walking east, some with bags of food. A young man who asked for a ride explained that they were walking for ‘sport’ – which we interpreted as cynicism hiding anger. He then said he had no connection with the others as ‘his’ contractor for some reason had not arrived and in another two days there would be a closure over Purim and he did not have enough working days. We assumed that this was the reason also for the large groups of workers walking. Our passenger asked to be let out near Tapuah junction. At 14.00, when we returned at the same junction we saw him sitting there. We no longer relied on his answers and anyway had to hurry.
Kapl-Hars. 11.45.
No worshippers at Kever Yehoshua, but we met a group of youths. They told us of a night visit by Security the previous week to the local bakery where two young twins were working. One was wounded in his head and taken to hospital with a fractured skull and returned two days ago. His brother was taken that same night and had not yet returned.
From the neighbouring village Hars, 11 boys 16-17 years of age were taken on the charge of throwing stones. They say that the Security man who comes is always one they all know by the name ‘Haver.’
Tapuah junction. 12.30.
Many Israeli trucks travelling westward, loaded with rocks. In the car park are three Palestinian cars with Border Police next to them. The drivers say they do not know why they were ‘chosen.’ We asked the police who said they had to wait to be checked by Security. The drivers themselves did not look overly concerned as this has happened to them in the past. When we passed at 14.00, they were no longer there.
Hawwara. 12.40.
A change of guard by soldiers who arrive in a jeep. The commander runs to us to explain that it is forbidden to stand there (at the entrance to the large abandoned carpark) and that it is military territory. We saw how they stopped a taxi on its way to Nablus and took out a young man. The taxi continued, the man showed his I.D. and continued speaking to the soldiers – why? Apart from this, traffic moved freely.
Orta. 12.50
No cars and not a single Palestinian truck. When we asked in the village, we were told that because of the rain (not a drop was falling, spring weather) people were not working.
Hawwara. 13.25.
A worrying (private) phone call forced us to alter our plan and to return home.